Wood Avens vs Acacia nilotica

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Wood Avens

Geum urbanum

Digestive

Acacia nilotica

Digestive

⚠️ Pregnancy & Nursing Warnings

Wood Avens

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Acacia nilotica

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Common perennial weed of hedgerows and woodland edges; roots smell of cloves due to eugenol; used in European folk medicine as digestive bitter and tonic.

Ancient African and Middle Eastern tree; gum used since ancient Egypt; bark and pods medicinal.

Active Compounds

tannins, eugenol, flavonoids, gein, phenolic acids

gum arabic, arabinogalactans, gallic acid, ellagic acid, catechin, tannins

Traditional Uses

Digestive conditions in European folk medicine, Fever treatment, Diarrhea, Used since medieval times as food flavoring and tonic

digestive disorders, cough, wound healing, gum disease, diarrhea

Modern Uses

Astringent, Antimicrobial via eugenol, Anti-inflammatory, Digestive bitter

prebiotic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial

Adult Dosage

2–3 g root as decoction; 2–3 mL tincture

5-15g gum or 3-6g bark tea daily

Contraindications

Pregnancy in large doses, Constipation

excessive doses, drug absorption interference

Side Effects

GI irritation in excess

GI bloating, gas, generally safe

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E

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